'and extending the Navigation of the River Ouse, from Lewes Bridge, in the town of Lewes, to Hammer Bridge, in the parish of Cuckfield, and to the Extent of the said parish of Cuckfleld, and also of a Branch of the said River, to Shortbridge, in the parish of Fletching, in the county of Sussex.' It incorporates a number of persons, amongst whom are Lord Sheffield, Sir Godfrey Webster, Sir Peter Burrell, and Sir William Burrell, by the name of "The Company of Proprietors of the River Ouse Navigation," and empowers them to raise, amongst themselves, for carrying into effect this act, the sum of £25,000, in shares of £100 each, of which sum, £10,000 is to be subscribed before the work is commenced, and to collect the following
TONNAGE RATES.
| For all Chalk, Lime, Dung, Mould, Soil, Compost or other Manure, Timber, Planks, Fire Wood, Corn or Grain, ground or unground, or any other Article manufactured at Barcombe Mill; Beech, Gravel and Materials for Roads, conveyed between Lewes Bridge and Barcombe Mill | ½d per Ton, per Mile. |
| For the same Goods above Barcombe Mill | 1d ditto. ditto. |
| For all other Goods, Wares and Merchandize between Lewes Bridge and Barcombe Mill | 1d ditto. ditto. |
| For the same Goods above Barcombe Mill | 1½d ditto. ditto. |
And in the same Proportion for any greater or less Distance or Quantity.
No tolls to be taken between Barcombe Mill and Lewes, until £500 have been expended on the improvement of the river.
WHARFAGE RATES.
| For all Goods, Wares and Merchandize for a Period of Two Months | 0s 6d per Ton. |
| For a longer period than Two Months | 1s 0d ditto. |
If left for a longer Period than Twelve Months, the same Rates to be paid as the Tonnage Rate for such Goods.
No Vessel of less than Ten Tons to pass through the Locks, without leave of the Proprietors.
The next act of parliament respecting this river was passed in 1791, and is entitled, 'An Act for improving the Navigation of the River Ouse, between Newhaven Bridge and Lewes Bridge, in the county of Sussex; and for the better Draining of the Low Lands, lying in Lewes and Laughton Levels, in the said county,' and appoints certain persons therein named, together with the commissioners of the Lewes and Laughton Levels, trustees for carrying it into effect, who are authorized to collect the following tonnage rates.
